Elavil DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE: The
following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or
other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS - ORAL, INJECTION
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adapin, Asendin,
Aventyl, Elavil, Endep, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, Surmontil,
Tofranil, Vivactil
USES: This medication is used to
treat depression, obsessive- compulsive disorders, and bed-wetting
in children over 6 years of age (enuresis).
OTHER USES: This medication may
also be used to treat nerve pain, sleeping problems (insomnia),
and has other uses as determined by your doctor.
HOW TO USE: Use this as prescribed.
Try to use each dose at the same time(s) each day so you remember
to routinely use it. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full benefit
of this medication becomes apparent. Do not stop using this medication
without your doctor's approval. Nausea, headache or fatigue can
occur if the drug is suddenly stopped.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness,
dizziness, increased sun sensitivity or blurred vision. May initially
cause dizziness and lightheadedness when rising too quickly from
a sitting or lying position. Other side effects include heartburn,
loss of appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth, anxiety, restlessness
or sweating. If any side effects persist or worsen, notify your
doctor. Report promptly: chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat,
difficulty urinating, nightmares, ringing in the ears, excessive
drowsiness, uncoordinated movements, fainting. Taking this medication
at bedtime may help minimize side effects. Talk to your doctor about
this. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this
drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this
drug tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma,
prostate problems, decreased urine output, thyroid disease, breathing
problems, seizure problems, alcohol use, heart disease, mental/emotional
problems, liver or kidney disease, any drug allergies. Use caution
when engaging in tasks requiring alertness such as driving or operating
machinery. Limit alcohol consumption as it may increase the drowsiness
and dizziness effects of this drug. Limit exposure to hot weather
as it may lead to heat stroke. Caution is advised when using this
drug in the elderly, because they may be more sensitive to the effects
of the drug (e.g., confusion may occur or worsen). This drug should
be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks
and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast
milk. The effects on the infant are not known at this time. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your
doctor about the medicines you take, especially if you take: clonidine,
guanadrel, guanethidine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid,
phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), cimetidine, SSRIs (e.g.,
fluoxetine, sertraline), warfarin, carbamazepine, certain diet pills
(e.g., phentermine, fenfluramine), adrenaline-type drugs (e.g.,
dopamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine,
isoproterenol- some of which may be found in cough-and-cold or asthma
products), narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine), cisapride,
St John's wort, any other prescription or nonprescription drugs
you take. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms ofoverdose may include agitation, confusion, hallucinations,
fever, irregular movement of the eyes, seizures, change in amount
of urine, dry mouth or nose, constipation, large pupils, drowsiness,
slow or shallow breathing, dizziness, unconsciousness, unusually
fast or slow heartbeat, or flushing..
NOTES: Do not allow anyone else
to use this medication.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose
and are taking more than 1 daily: do not take it if it is almost
time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. If you take it once daily at bedtime,
do not take it the following morning. Call your doctor. Do not double
the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. Do
not freeze liquid forms of this medication. |
